PM Modi: “A Pleasant and Memorable Stay in Kashi”
Posting on X, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his best wishes to all participants and visitors attending KTS 4.0, calling the programme a vibrant embodiment of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” He wrote that the Sangamam strengthens national unity by connecting two of India’s oldest living civilisational centres. The Prime Minister wished attendees “a pleasant and memorable stay in Kashi.” The PM’s message was released through the Press Information Bureau.
VP Radhakrishnan Emphasises Language and Cultural Exchange
In a special video message, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan welcomed this year’s theme, “Let us Learn Tamil,” and said the Sangamam symbolises the cultural unity of the North and the South. He highlighted concrete exchange programmes including 50 Hindi-speaking Tamil coordinators trained by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) who will teach basic Tamil to more than 1,500 students across 50 schools in Varanasi as key to fostering mutual understanding. These details were also shared in an official PIB release.
Bridging Regions: Agasthyar Yatra and Student Exchanges
The Sangamam has revived symbolic cultural routes connecting Tamil Nadu and Kashi. The Agasthyar Yatra, flagged off from Tenkasi on December 2 and scheduled to culminate in Kashi on December 10, honours historical links between the Cauvery and the Ganga. Organisers say the Yatra and associated events reaffirm centuries-old spiritual and cultural bonds.
Furthering two-way engagement, the programme includes planned visits by 300 students from Uttar Pradesh to leading institutions in Tamil Nadu in ten groups. Such exchanges aim to create sustained language learning and academic collaboration beyond the Sangamam period.
“Let us Learn Tamil” Pedagogy Meets Culture
The “Let us Learn Tamil” theme places language at the heart of cultural diplomacy. Officials highlighted classroom initiatives, cultural workshops, performances and temple tours designed to give delegates both practical language exposure and immersive cultural experiences. The Central Institute of Classical Tamil’s role in training teachers has been singled out as a practical step to ensure long-term impact.
Support and Scale: Government and Institutional Backing
KTS 4.0 has significant institutional support, with the Ministry of Education, Union ministries, Uttar Pradesh government, IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University collaborating to host events across Varanasi and other pilgrimage sites. The programme will run in two phases, with activities continuing later in Tamil Nadu, underscoring its national scope and government backing.
Public Engagement and Cultural Synthesis
Besides official exchanges, the Sangamam includes cultural shows, Ganga aarti participation, heritage walks and forums that invite citizens to experience Tamil language and traditions. Local stakeholders report strong turnout at public events, reflecting growing community interest in cross-regional cultural learning. Media coverage highlights the Sangamam’s expanding reach as a public movement. 4
What It Means for India
Leaders have framed Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 as more than a festival: it is a policy-aligned cultural diplomacy tool that promotes national integration through language and shared heritage. By combining government initiatives, institutional partnerships and grassroots participation, the Sangamam seeks to convert cultural curiosity into lasting educational linkages and mutual respect between regions.
As Prime Minister Modi and Vice-President Radhakrishnan affirmed, the Sangamam’s success lies in translating symbolic unity into tangible programmes classrooms, teacher training, student exchanges and heritage itineraries that will keep the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat alive long after the closing ceremonies.
